TAMPA (May 12, 2018) – USF's thrilling conference tournament run ended with a 4-1 loss to the three-time champion Tulsa in Saturday's title game.
 
The Golden Hurricane (33-23) loaded the bases immediately in the first inning, but USF (38-2) limited the damage to just one run. Tulsa added three runs in the third inning, and USF responded in the bottom of the fourth with its only run of the game.
 
Senior Astin Donovan (Guilford, Conn.) got a single past the left fielder and made it to third, setting up for a sacrifice fly by junior Lindsey Devitt (Jacksonville, Fla.). Donovan went 2-for-3 in her 18^th multi-hit game.
 
Three Bulls were named to The American All-Tournament Team for their performances. Senior Lauren Evans hit the game-winner in the Bulls' 2-1, 12-inning battle against UConn in the quarterfinals, and had a perfect 2-for-2 performance at the plate in the semifinals against Memphis.
 
Junior Macy Cook hit a three-run home run that was crucial in the Bulls' semifinal, walk-off win over Memphis on Friday. Cook had four RBI and 12 putouts in the tournament. Junior Lindsey Devitt had a solid weekend for the Bulls with six hits and two RBI. She went 3-for-4 in USF's quarterfinal win over UConn.
 
Key Stat
18 – Astin Donovan completed her 18^th multi-hit game. She went 2-for-3.
 
Notable

• This was USF's second appearance in The American championship in the last three years
• Tulsa has won The American tournament for three straight years
• The only other team to win the conference tournament was Louisville in the inaugural championship game in 2014

 
Up Next
USF's latest RPI ranking is No. 42, and the Bulls will watch the NCAA Selection Show on Sunday at 10 p.m. to find out if they will receive an at-large bid for the tournament. The show will air live on ESPN2.
 
About USF Softball
Be sure to follow USF softball on social media (Twitter / Facebook / Instagram) and visit GoUSFBulls.com for the most up-to-date information. The USF softball program has been one of the most successful on campus, making 13 NCAA tournament appearances, including a trip to the Women's College World Series in 2012.